Battle brews over Qld procurement policy

The Queensland government is facing fresh criticism from Federal Trade Minister Steven Ciobo over its plan to dismiss a free-trade deal with New Zealand in favour of its own local procurement policy.

State Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni on Monday confirmed the government would not be bound by the agreement, arguing its Buy Queensland policy would better serve local businesses and taxpayers.

"We won't be constrained by the free trade agreements that force Queensland companies to compete with overseas companies," he told ABC radio on Monday.

"If that offends free trade agreements signed by other governments then we won't apologise for that."

Responding to the remarks, Mr Ciobo said billions of dollars of Australia's exports and thousands of supporting jobs were being put at risk.

"By walking away from these agreements Premier Palaszczuk is walking away from the Queensland farmers and businesses who sell Queensland's products, produce and services to the world, putting 500,000 Queensland jobs at risk," he said in a statement.

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"There is a special agreement for government procurement with New Zealand which is a stand-alone agreement," he said.

"It has nothing to do with private sector exports."

A spokesman for Mr de Brenni told AAP the government's offer to brief the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade remained open after Mr Ciobo cancelled a scheduled meeting in August.

DFAT has been contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, the Queensland government and opposition are at loggerheads over duelling procurement policies.

Liberal National Party leader Tim Nicholls on Sunday announced the opposition's Buy Local policy, which would give local businesses the opportunity to match the price for government projects valued at under $100 million.

Companies will be required to have 200 or less staff and be based in Queensland in order to be considered.

"This is about the best value for money options and obviously price is an important component," Mr Nicholls told reporters on Monday.

It comes just weeks after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the Buy Queensland strategy.

Under the government's approach, businesses located within a 125km radius of a project or service now receive a weighting of up to 30 per cent.

Mr de Brenni on Monday labelled the LNP's strategy a joke.

"Cheapest price saw half-priced trains come from India at a result of the loss of hundreds of jobs for Queenslanders," he said, referencing the Newman government's trouble-plagued NGR-train fleet.